Good-government advocates voiced alarm Monday that the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling to overturn former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s 11-count corruption conviction will pave the way for the wealthy and powerful to more brazenly wield influence in government. “By saying that politicians can receive gifts in exchange for political favors, the Supreme Court has enshrined bribery […]
Law and Justice
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Democrats Ramp Up Calls for Garland Confirmation Hearing
Senators Charles Schumer and Sheldon Whitehouse took to the steps of the Supreme Court Wednesday to demand that the Senate give Merrick Garland, President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, a fair confirmation hearing. League of Conservation Voters (LCV) activists joined them, carrying boxes containing petitions with more than 200,000 signatures gathered nationwide calling on Republican senators […]
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Will Congress Thwart Puerto Rico’s Best Chance for Relief?
A case before the Supreme Court could give the territory the power to restructure much of its debt—but only if Congress doesn’t get in the way. Â
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Pennsylvania Offers Clean Slate to Ex-Offenders
Pennsylvania is poised to become the first state in the nation to limit access to criminal records for certain nonviolent offenders. In April, the Pennsylvania General Assembly took up the consideration of bills that aim to help ex-offenders reintegrate into society without the permanent stigma of a criminal record. Under the Clean Slate Act, people […]
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Getting Beyond Prison: A Vermont Case Study
The federal sentencing reform advancing in Congress would expand programs designed to cut recidivism among released offenders. One state thinks it’s found a solution—give former prisoners a circle of volunteer supporters.
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Does the First Amendment Justify Corruption?
Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s Supreme Court corruption appeal will help decide whether the First Amendment protects average Americans or special interests.
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Did Cuomo Miss His Chance to Enact Ethics Reform?
Watchdogs worry that the state’s best chance at rooting out corruption has slipped away, yet again.
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DOL Releases Bold New Retirement Investment Protections
Flanked by Democratic allies in Congress on Wednesday, Secretary of Labor Tom Perez unveiled the final version of the long-awaited fiduciary rule, which requires that, like doctors and lawyers, retirement account brokers must act in their clients’ best interest. “It really puts in place a fundamental principle of consumer protection into the American retirement marketplace, […]
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Right to Counsel for Louisiana’s Indigent Defendants Remains at Risk
Massive cuts to the state’s public-defender budget will only increase the number of low-level defendants awaiting legal representation in overcrowded jails.
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Conservative Dark Money Targets Senators in Supreme Court Fight
Despite Merrick Garland’s moderate credentials and former bipartisan support, conservatives have gone on the offensive to block his nomination.Â
